I'm not familiar with this particular product, but I'm guessing it's similar to Steam-a-Seam, which I've used for years. I've used it to finish no-sew projects, like static fabric valances, or to finish the edges of cross-stitched bellpulls, for example. I've also used it twice to shorten knit pants. *Now* it would be easier for me to sew those things, but this was before I felt confident behind a sewing machine.

These days I use it more as a sewing aid--fusing down appliques, stabilizing/holding in place a lapped seam on rainwear (the seam was *very* narrow and rather long, and I was afraid it would shift while I was sewing it), even finishing the seams in the bodice of a velveteen dress (I pinked them and fused them down before inserting the lining). Pretty much any time I'm doing something pretty fussy by machine and I'm not completely confident that pinning and holding it will keep everything exactly in place while I sew.

For getting it straight, I always press the seam first, so that I have a guide to lay the fusible up against. I also cut in small pieces--*not* the whole length of the seam--and press as I go.

I also recommend *not* getting it on your iron or your ironing board. If you do make a boo-boo and need to remove it, I've had pretty good luck with heating it up with a hot iron and then "blotting" it up with a piece of brown wrapping paper.

Seams Great is not a fusible product. It's a nylon web, cut on the bias, used as a seam finish, similar to a bias bound seam finish, but much faster, simpler to appy, and very light and not bulky. Uses are similar to bias tape, but the effect is lighter than bias tape.

Since it's nylon, it won't stand up to a very hot iron.

Here is a picture of how to apply it (opens a PDF). I've used it to finish the seams of a flannel lounge robe. With a little practice, this goes very quickly. It has a natural curl to it; you pull on it slightly to determine the natural curl, then make use of the natural curl to make the Seams Great curl around the seam allowance as you pull on it slightly to create that curling effect.

I find it's easier to use an elongated zig zag stitch rather than a straight stitch. It will completely encase the edge of the seam allowance. It can be a good option for a fabric that ravels easily.

I've never used Seams Great as a shoulder stabilizer because it's so very soft and stretchy, and it has very little "return to my original length" strength once it's applied, which clear elastic does have. Of course, that doesn't mean you couldn't use it on shoulder seams. It would be nice and stretchy, which makes me fear that your shoulder seam would stretch and just keep stretching.

It's interesting stuff; pull it hard, and it stetches out and gets thin, but springs back when you let go, pull it gently and it starts to stretch slightly and curve onto itself legnthwise. It doesn't ravel at all. It may actually be a nylon tricot type fabric.

I just used my regular old zig-zag foot when I applied it. You need to practice a bit to "get" how tightly or softly you need to hold it so it curves around your seam allowance as the seam allowance goes under the presser foot. Then it goes fairly quickly.

Even the 5/8" stuff is harder to find locally, at least for me. I really like it for finishing hems or the edges of facings - it doesn't add any bulk, and since it is somewhat see-through it blends into your fabric.

One thing I learned the hard way is to go easy on stretching it to get the curl. If your fabric is lightweight, the Seams Great will be able to contract enough to cause puckering.

I thought this product looked familiar - I found that I have three rolls of 5/8 inch Seams Great! Wonder what I planned to do with it?

I have a vague recollection it had something to do with my serger - maybe using it in rolled hems to rein in fabric that wants to poke through? Now I need to look in my notes and books and see if I can find it.

I do that a lot - buy something (usually on sale) because of a tip/trick I read somewhere that I know I'll need but then don't use before I've forgotten about it...

Quote: blue mooneyOne thing I learned the hard way is to go easy on stretching it to get the curl. If your fabric is lightweight, the Seams Great will be able to contract enough to cause puckering.

That's true. But stretching just a little will gather without puckers. I've used Seams Great to gather sleeves in very lightweight fabrics. It makes for a nice, pucker-free set sleeve and provides just the the slightest of filling so the sleeve shapes well.

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